SEATTLE — Businesses in Seattle's Pioneer Square neighborhood are preparing for the annual surge in visitors, along with a potential economic boost from Seahawks fans, who will flock to Lumen Field this Sunday for the season opener.
"We're really looking forward to welcoming Seahawks fans back to the neighborhood. We have some of the old favorites and new restaurants for people to check out before or after the game or even to come and watch the game. There are a ton of places open and ready to welcome you down," said Lisa Howard, the executive director of the Alliance for Pioneer Square.
More than four years after COVID-19 first hit, there's renewed optimism that neighborhoods like Pioneer Square are closer than ever to some semblance of pre-pandemic life.
"We've had some new restaurants come in on corner spaces. There's been a lot of growth and expansion with some of the existing restaurants in the neighborhood, so overall, we're in a really great position heading into the fall," Howard said.
Among the new businesses is Baba Yaga, a music venue located at 124 Washington St.
The self-described "morning, noon, and night rock and roll clubhouse" held its grand opening on Friday.
"It's gonna be kind of an all-day clubhouse," owner Ryan Granger previously told KING 5. "There needs to be more places like this around. I think the model has gotten a little skewed, so I'd like to kind of kick it back towards the artist."
Around the corner on Occidental Street is Golden Roosters, a fried chicken joint with a full bar that opened in the spring.
"There have been some ups and downs," said co-owner Dylan Kim. "But the Seahawks season is coming, so we're very excited about it."
Kim hopes the influx in foot traffic will boost business.
"We're here to serve sports fans! Seahawks are the most outgoing, bar type of people so we're ready to serve them," he said. "Get our name out there and see how it goes."
Howard urges Seahawks fans to give those new businesses, as well as the old favorites, a try either before or after games this year. She also suggested that fans who aren't going to the stadium stop by the local establishments to take in the vibe while watching on TV and perhaps do some shopping.
"I think there's a perception that it's hard to come down and shop on game days," she said. "During the game there's a lot of street parking open, it's the perfect time to hop down and maybe hit one of the retailers or restaurants you've been wanting to visit."
Fans attending games will notice some construction work, along with standard game day traffic delays before and after games.
Washington Street is closed between Alaskan Way and 2nd Ave South.
Detours have been set up for vehicle and foot traffic.
The Seahawks host the Denver Broncos on Sunday at 1 p.m.